Oluyemi, O; Atamewalen, R O; Alfred, T A
Background/Objectives
Adolescents are key to sustainable development, and several global initiatives call for greater investment in their health. In Nigeria, for instance, health care for this age group tends not to be receiving priority attention, such that many adolescents grope in the dark about matters concerning their health and survival. A highly significant population of adolescents is sexually active (with nearly half [48.6%] of adolescents aged 15–19 years being sexually active) and involved in unprotected sexual activities with multiple partners, exposing them to negative reproductive health consequences.
Materials and Methods
Supporting Access for Adolescents to Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (Safire) commenced work using the HCD model. The purpose of this is to ensure adolescents aged 10-19 years find friendly, safe, and supportive entry points to discuss their adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) needs in their communities. Community Champions are identified within their community using criteria developed by the project. These champions are trained to create an enabling environment for adolescent girls' access to sexual and reproductive information and services using effective techniques to engage and dialogue with members of the communities in person and online.
Results
The model has brought about a reduction in stigma on adolescents accessing family planning services and information within their communities. Community Champions awareness creation to different groups has significantly brought about an increased uptake of adolescents aged 15-19years that are sexually active to access various contraceptive needs with a considerable reduction in barriers associated with it.
Conclusions
Champions are a veritable tool used to facilitate community sensitization activities and dialogues with gatekeepers and other community actors creating awareness and reducing stigma for adolescent girls to get accurate and safe information on their sexual reproductive health services to make an informed decision on their family planning needs.
